Eleanor McConnell, LPCC, and dog Ody offer animal-assisted therapy in Colorado Springs
Eleanor McConnell, LPCC, and dog Ody offer animal-assisted therapy in Colorado Springs

Hi, I’m Ellie.

I’m a therapist specializing in helping kids, teens, and young adults walk through hard situations such as hurt, anxiety, trauma, attachment issues, emotional regulation, relationships, and more. Since my own teenage years, I’ve been passionate about the mind and emotional wellness. And for the past decade I’ve worked with young people in a wide range of settings — including school, nonprofit, and inpatient contexts — learn to regulate emotions, process hurt, overcome hurdles, and grow in their emotional health.

As lifelong horseback rider, I have a special interest in the capacity of animals to bring healing. Years of riding instruction, equine training, and experience with animal-assisted techniques have proven to me the undeniable, God-given power of the human-animal bond. That’s why I am thrilled to have my dog, Ody, as an available companion during therapy sessions.

Ody the dog is a peaceful presene and companion

Meet Ody.

Ody is a seven-year-old Blue Heeler mix who I have had his whole life! He is wicked smart and incredibly kind. He is a calming presence who loves treats and scratches behind his ear. He also loves hikes in the snow —but HATES water. While there is always an innate risk in being around dogs, Ody has never jumped on, growled at, or bitten anyone in his life. He is calm, gentle, patient, and the safest dog I know!

We can’t wait to meet you.

I’d love to chat, hear more about you, and explore working together. Book a free 30-minute consultation call to get started.

My approach:
The power of connection

Any therapeutic success is built first on the client-counselor relationship. That’s why I value authenticity above all else. You’ll find in me a down-to-earth, safe, honest, and reliable partner on your healing journey. I understand that you know your story better than anyone else, and that only you have the power to enact change, set goals, and own the process of becoming who you were made to be. My goal is never advice-giving, but to be a safe and honest partner on your path toward a grounded, healthier you.

Working from a person-centered and solution-focused approach, I meet you where you are, however you come into my office, with an attitude of acceptance and in an atmosphere of grace. And hopefully even a little fun.

Ellie McConnell, MA LPCC, in Colorado Springs
Ellie McConnell, MA LPCC, in Colorado Springs

Methods & Techniques

Solutions-Focused Brief Therapy

Person-Centered Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Animal-assisted techniques

Experiential methods

Christian counseling

Play-based therapeutic methods

Trauma-informed approach

EMDR (coming soon)

Qualifications

Education:

BS, Psychology
University of Colorado Colorado Springs

MA, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Colorado Christian University

Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate
State of Colorado. License #: LPCC.0024289

Supervisor
Dr. Mark Mayfield, License #: 11420

Past Clinical and Professional Experience:
Cedar Springs Hospital
Flying Horse Foundation Equine-Assisted Learning
James Irwin Charter Schools

Ellie McConnell uses animal-assisted therapy techniques

What makes me tick.

Born in New Jersey and raised in the South, I’ve been rooted in Colorado since my college days. I’m the oldest of four children (all brothers!), a new sister-in-law to my best friend, and lifelong pastor’s kid (for better or worse!).

I love my community of great friends and the unconditional love of my animals — Ody my dog, Katie my horse, and a flock of backyard chickens. While I’m usually up for an adventure or road trip, I also treasure a cozy, rainy day knitting a sweater or reading a novel.

“Healing comes not just from being heard but from being known deeply and loved that way.”

— Dr. Curt Thompson